Dinner raffle funds Metchosin seniors program

The chance to win is one in 220, but the chance to help seniors is 100 per cent.

The Metchosin Seniors Information and Resource Centre is raffling off 220 opportunities for a gourmet, six-course dinner for eight, delivered and served right in your home. The dinner, donated by local culinary artisans, is one that centre co-ordinator Colleen Brownlee said will keep both your belly and your heart full.

“There are people that live here (who are) at the point now when their families are not close by,” she said. Centre volunteers act as a liaison, in such situations as when “mom is (alone) at home. She might need a friendly visit, a ride or help buying groceries.”

The centre, operated by a non-profit society, provides services and connections for seniors, many of whom wish to remain living in their home as long as possible. Volunteers help with doctors’ visits, picking up prescriptions or groceries, or any other needs seniors might have as they age in place.

The society was formed in 2014, as part of an age-friendly initiative embarked on by the Ministry of Health. The group operates out of the old Metchosin elementary at 4495 Happy Valley Rd. and is helping the District of Metchosin achieve its “age-friendly” goal.

Financially, the centre operates entirely on grants and fundraisers, of which the dinner raffle is the largest of the year, Brownlee said.

The winning ticket will be drawn at the society’s Nov. 5 annual general meeting.

Society vice-president Jo Mitchell, who will prepare an English trifle for the meal, said supporting the elderly is important for the community.

“Government nowadays doesn’t do much to support seniors, and this is a way for them to stay in their homes longer,” she said. “I think principally, all people over the age of 55 should be concerned about helping seniors, because they are quite soon going to need help themselves.”

Tickets can be purchased at the centre, or at the Metchosin Foundation Halloween Dance on Oct. 24. For more information visit metchosinseniors.ca.